Outside of Orlando’s busy sprawl, up I-75 and twisting and turning along old country roads that feel like a portal into mid-Twentieth Century America, there’s a pristine patch of earth near Bushnell, Florida, where Allen’s family built their beautiful ranch. It’s a place where his family spends much of their time, and it was where Elizabeth and Allen knew they wanted their marriage to begin, under the oak trees and overlooking the pastures Allen’s late cousin, his best friend, had loved.

It was a perfect fall day — crisp skies, clean light, cool (enough, for Florida) air. All their guests enjoyed the property, meticulously and lovingly prepared for Elizabeth and Allen’s rustic wedding, Allen’s uncle, the pastor who performed the ceremony, was nearly as emotional as the couple when they exchanged their vows, and everyone danced the night away in the chandelier-bedecked barn. But the wedding day began, as wedding days should always begin: Filled with anticipation for what was about to unfold. Elizabeth was absolutely radiant.
Elizabeth chose to wear her mother’s ballet slippers — the ballet slippers her mother had worn for her own wedding. I loved the significance of Elizabeth’s something old, and I loved this moment Elizabeth shared with her sister and maid of honor, Caroline.
Then it was off to the ranch.
Elizabeth’s beautiful florals came from Allen’s aunt, Sherry Krawczyk — a florist whose beautiful work we’ve been lucky enough to have photographed before. I loved Elizabeth’s sweet and simple bouquet, the elegant lace edging on her veil, her bridesmaids’ sweeping dresses.Elizabeth, you were stunning!Then came one of my favorite wedding day traditions: The bridesmaids circled up, and Elizabeth’s mother prayed over her daughter, her soon-to-be-son, and the marriage that was about to begin.Meanwhile, on another part of the ranch, Allen got ready for his bride.Allen gifted his groomsmen wooden razors, each with a unique color and grain in the wood.Looking sharp, guys!Have you ever seen a prettier ceremony setup? I just gasped when I walked into this fairy tale.
What followed was one of the most beautiful, emotional, poignant ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed.
The oak grove, brimming with Spanish moss and sunlight, was the perfect setting for Elizabeth and Allen’s wedding portraits with their bridal party.Then came some of my favorite bride and groom portraits to date. Starting with these two. Elizabeth and Allen just looked so right together, and I don’t think she could stop smiling!

Those eyes!Even when we had to stop shooting to frantically sweep a whole hill’s worth of fire ants off Elizabeth’s train, she just kept smiling. They were so happy to be married!

As they joined the cocktail hour, Danny and I got a peek into their amazing reception setup, under tents and inside the barn.
Talk about a grand entrance!
And then their first dance was just magical: The lights, the chandeliers, the barn rafters — and the way Allen looked at Elizabeth.What followed was a party!Elizabeth and Allen, thank you so much for having us be a part of your wedding day! We were honored to be there, and we are so happy for you two. We hope that the honeymoon in Jamaica was amazing, but that the years to come will be even better!

~ Laura + Dannty

Vendors:
Venue: Private ranch
Wedding Gown: Alfred Angelo
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Donna Morgan
Groom and Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Flowers: Sherry Krawczyk
Catering: Montage Catering
DJ: Adam Passalacqua at Mr. P’s DJ Service
Officiate: Kent Sterchi
Coordinators: Karen DiDea and Marion Arnheim
Videography: TLC Film Productions
Photography: Laura Yang Photography